194. Malda Khirsapati (Himsagar) Mango

Malda Khirsapati (Himsagar) Mango is a variety of mango grown in the district of Malda, West Bengal. Widely considered as the best mango, the inside of Himsagar is yellow to orange in colour and does not have any fibre. It is Medium to big in size weighing 250 to 340 gm, oval in shape with yellowish green colour and somewhat rough skin. The taste is very sweet and the flavour is characteristically pleasant.

Malda is already known for its native mangoes like Gopal Bhog, Brindaban, Langra, Khirsapati (Himsagar), Kishan Bhog, Kalapahar, Bombai, Fazli and Aswini. Mango orchards are found along the bank of the Kalindi River which is a fertile plain with loamy, alluvial, well-drained soil rich in organic matter that is ideal for mango cultivation.

Image Credit: maldamango.com

The tropical weather conditions prevailing in Malda is conducive for the cultivation of many varieties of indigenous mangoes. There are many gardens belonging to the zamindars established in the early 1700s covering hundreds of acres of land that still produce excellent quality mangoes. 

The stage at which the fruits should be harvested has an important bearing on ripening and fruit quality. The various criteria recommended for judging maturity include slight colour development on the shoulders or when one or two ripe fruits fall from the plant naturally or when the specific gravity of fruits ranges between 1.01 and 1.02.

Khirsapati Mango is harvested in June using a local tool in the early hours of the morning. The fruits are collected in crates and kept in the shade till it is ready to be transported. The fruits are sorted according to its physical characteristics and subjected to the important process of de-sapping. 

GI Tag Registration Date         : 09 September 2008

GI Tag Number                         : 112

Certificate Number                  : 95

Geographical Area                  : West Bengal

Special Cover Release Date   : 18 October 2021

Cancellation                             : Siliguri 734 001

Type                                          : GI Tag Cover

Cover Identification Number  : WB/15/2021

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193. Malda Laxman Bhog Mango

Malda Laxman Bhog Mangor is a variety of mango grown in the district of Malda, West Bengal. Its skin is very thick, and yellow green in colour, dots are very few, medium and not prominent. Fruit skin has attractive orange yellow colour. It is very sweet and the flesh is firm but melting. Fibre is almost absent and has very good flavour and taste.

Malda is already known for its native mangoes like Gopal Bhog, Brindaban, Langra, Khirsapati (Himsagar), Kishan Bhog, Kalapahar, Bombai, Fazli and Aswini. Mango orchards are found along the bank of the Kalindi River which is a fertile plain with loamy, alluvial, well-drained soil rich in organic matter that is ideal for mango cultivation. 

Image sourced from Internet

It has been documented that the name of the LaxmanBhog has been derived from the name of Laxman Mandal (Chandipur). The tropical weather conditions prevailing in Malda is conducive for the cultivation of many varieties of indigenous mangoes. 

These varieties have developed tremendous resistance to pest and disease over the years and are widely deemed to be hardy, as many orchards seen here today have survived harsh weather conditions for centuries.

Mango cultivation in Malda and its historical associations date back to very early times. The mango of Malda district is mentioned in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Its cultivation started before Pala and Sena Dynasty.

The stage at which the fruits should be harvested has an important bearing on ripening and fruit quality. The various criteria recommended for judging maturity include slight colour development on the shoulders or when one or two ripe fruits fall from the plant naturally or when the specific gravity of fruits ranges between 1.01 and 1.02.

GI Tag Registration Date         : 09 September 2008

GI Tag Number                         : 111

Certificate Number                  : 94

Geographical Area                  : West Bengal

Special Cover Release Date   : 16 October 2021

Cancellation                             : Siliguri 734 001

Type                                          : GI Tag Cover

Cover Identification Number  : WB/16/2021

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192. Chunar Balua Patthar

Chunar Balua Patthar is a clastic sedimentary rock that is made up of cemented sand grains and basically a firm sandstone with a reddish-buff color and fine grains that is quarried in the Mirzapur District of Uttar Pradesh. It is extensively used in Indian architecture. It is also locally called as Balua patthar, Pattiya patthar, and Baad. 

Chuar Balua Patthar is sodination in the past its from layer by layer with sufficient vertical thickness, this natural process helps to produce a different dimension of stone without any fracture.  This sandstone is special because its luster never fades. 

It has been widely used as in situ rock shelters, carved sculptures of deities, in temples, forts, heritage buildings, and monuments and also as art and architectural elements from prehistoric and historic times.

Image Credit : nabard.com

This sandstone has been used in ancient and contemporary places of worship of different faiths in eastern and central India, river embankments locally called as ghats in Varanasi and Mirzapur districts, forts and fortresses, bridges, roads, tunnels, educational institutions gardens, and places of public utility.

The use of this sandstone is evidenced in one of the oldest divine site for Buddhists, the Maha Bodhi Temple Complex (UNESCO World Heritage Site), located in Bodh Gaya. The National Emblem of India is taken from the Lion capital of Ashoka in Sarnath and is carved from these sandstones. 

The physical, chemical, and mechanical composition of Chunar Balua Patthar is almost uniform, and as a result, even after spending years submerged in water, the stone has maintained its smooth appearance from the quarry. For example, few portion of steer of Varanasi ghat and down side platform are under the water since hundreds of year, still they retain their appearance. 

There is historical a record of about 285 old quarries in and around Chunar area, where these rocks are well exposed.

Some of characteristic character of Chunar Balua Patthar are as follows: 

• Uniformly distributed grain of almost equal size and dimension. 

• High degree of compactness. 

• Very high crushing strength. Appreciable porosity which keeps optimum moisture. 

• High degree of durability and low level of weathering due to siliceous cementing material, which keeps grain intact. 

• Cool in summer and hot in winter as compared to other similar kind of stone.

GI Tag Registration Date         : 04 March 2019

GI Tag Number                         : 557

Certificate Number                  : 339

Geographical Area                  : Uttar Pradesh

Special Cover Release Date   : 13 October 2021

Cancellation                             : Mirzapur 231 001

Type                                          : GI Tag Cover

Cover Identification Number  : UP/100/2021

Each cover is numbered. Total 1500 covers are issued.

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191. Varanasi Soft Stone Jali Work

Varanasi Soft Stone Jali work is intricately carved and perfectly chiselled on Soft Stone and are further decorated with inlay work. Stone carvings may also be embedded with inexpensive shells or semi-precious stones and are admired in all over the world. Varanasi, Chandauli, Mirzapur, and Sonebhadra of Uttar Pradesh are famous for its exclusive Soft Stone Jali Work since generations.

Varanasi Soft Stone Jali Craftsmen have shown their creative excellence through intricate architectural masterpieces. Its process requires supreme mastery of masonry and design making. Stone carving on sandstone carry the rich cultural heritage of royal fascination.

Image Credit : ibep.com

Using the simplest of tools coupled with expertise, patience and perseverance, these artisans create works of splendour, which have few parallels anywhere in the world. In Varanasi, Softstone Jali craft work can be seen on forts, zamindari homes, places of worship and ancient monuments all of which are a testimony to its antiquity. 

Statues of religious significance are also made using this technique. To further enhance the beauty of these sculptures they would be embedded with semi-precious stones and shell- work. Soft stone Jali work craft of Varanasi include marble boxes, wall plates, table tops, coasters, and ashtrays, paperweights, and candleholders, of different sizes, are considered as the intricate craftsmanship of the artisans of Varanasi

Soft Stones/Soap Stone are excavated from open mines. Large sized boulders are carried to the workshops where they are given desired shapes and sizes by skilled and seasoned craftsmen. The articles thus crafted, are buff shed for smoothness. Some are also lacquered to impart sheen and glow.

It is interesting to note, there is no homogeneity of colour, tint and texture in soft stone. Two pieces taken out, even from the same block of soft stone, are never alike. Thus, it is virtually impossible to get two carved pieces of soft stone of identical colour or design. 

GI Tag Registration Date         : 28 March 2018

GI Tag Number                         : 556

Certificate Number                  : 315

Geographical Area                  : Uttar Pradesh

Special Cover Release Date   : 13 October 2021

Cancellation                             : Varanasi 221 001

Type                                          : GI Tag Cover

Cover Identification Number  : UP/96/2021

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190. Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai

Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai is a ready-to-eat solid, brittle sweet generally made from casting a mix of dry peanuts held together with glistening hot jaggery syrup, and topped with wisps of grated coconut dyed pink, green and yellow. 

Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai usually takes the form of a slab of squares wedged together. In Kovilpatti, it is found as single rectangular chunks, or rather cuboids, sealed in packets. 

Since decades, the Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai traditionally prepared during village festivals using palm jaggery and groundnuts from nearby districts. The switch to sugarcane jaggery happened in the pre-independence era.

Image Credit : snackative.com

Organic special ‘Vellam’ – a fresh, pale, soft triangular block of jaggery is sourced from in and around Kovilpatti like Srivalliputhur. Groundnuts grown in the native black soil are sourced from the nearby town of Aruppukottai. The water from river Thamirabarani is used in the production which enhances the taste naturally. This is how this Kovilpatti Kadalai mittai has a unique traditional flavor.

Groundnuts are sand roasted and stored at jute sack to maintain the heat overnight. Then groundnuts are split and the red skin is removed and sieved to remove granules and sand. Jaggery is boiled and stored overnight. The production of Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai is done in “Veragu Aduppu”, a special old form of stow, which gives Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai a special flavour.

Stored jaggery syrup is heated and stir consistently. Required quantity of split groundnuts are mixed added to the syrup and mixed evenly and made into a shape of rugby ball. Required flavoring agents like vannila powder, Dried Ginger or Cardamom are added to the Syrup alongwith groundnuts.

Preparation of the Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai involves great skill that requires accurately timed, swift clockwise and anticlockwise moves of the cook’s ladle, to ensure that the bubbles dissipate and a limp of peanuts embedded in hardened syrup emerges. 

Production of Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai requires a constant observation with respect to its heating limits and quantity of ingredients used. There is a specific paste form that has to be acquired by heating which only a skilled person can calculate. 

Once the required consistency is acquired, groundnuts jaggery mixture is sheeted using roller in wooden plates. It is then cut into required size using Criss Cross knife or Roller with blades. It is then cooled down and broken into required size and packed.

Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai makes use of only natural ingredients being laden in proteins, vitamins and minerals, making it nutritious and energetic food. Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai has obtained great repute owing to its unique flavour and taste. 

GI Tag Registration Date         : 20 April 2020

GI Tag Number                         : 486

Certificate Number                  : 363

Geographical Area                  : Tamil Nadu

Special Cover Release Date   : 13 October 2021

Cancellation                             : Kovilpatti 628 501

Type                                          : GI Tag Cover

Cover Identification Number  : TN/25/2021

Each cover is numbered. Total 2000 Covers are issued. Cover has an embossed image of Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai.

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189. Thirubuvanam Silk Saree

Thirubuvanam Silk Saree are traditional wedding saree of pure silk and gold electro plated silver zari thread, medium weight with motifs, body and border woven in the same single warp. Thirubuvanam is a town located in the vicinity of Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. This historical town has preserved the art of silk weaving and has withstood the test of time. 

Thirubuvanam Silk Saree are made from the commonly domesticated silk worm of the Genus Bombyx which feeds on the leaves of the mulberry tree hence also called mulberry silk. The speciality of the Thirubuvanam silk saree is that using filature silk for both warp and weft resulting in high quality, shining, uniformity and luster. 

Thirubuvanam sarees are very rich in quality with fine counts of silk. The exquisite silk saree are woven from pure mulberry silk in contrasting colours and have an enviable reputation for luster, durability and finish. They reflect a Weaving and dyeing tradition, hundreds of years old.

The town of Thirubuvanam has been renowned for its aesthetically pleasing silk sarees right from the time of the Cholas. The city of Thirubuvanam was built by King Chola’s family, believed to be named after Kulothunga Chola III, who was a Thirubuvanam Chakravarti. 

Image Credit: cooptex.gov.in

Thirubuvanam silk saree is known for intricate border and pallu designs are aesthetically embellished with fine Zari. The wide borders in contrast colors with intricate motif patterns are very fascinating. These sarees are elaborately hand‐woven and contain intricate brocades and motifs which are well‐received.

The most popular motifs are influenced by temples, flowers, natural leaves and fruits. The common designs of motifs used in Thirubuvanam are natural and floral like that Mango, Kalasam, Temple, Ruthratcham (Rudraksha beads), Diamond, Neli, Mayilkan (the peacock’s eye), Kodi visiri, birds like peacock and parrot. Checks, stripes and geometrical patterns are also included in the motifs. 

The pallu of a Thirubuvanam Silk‐sari is woven continuously on the loom and the pallu simply runs on from the body of the sari. This process of weaving technique is locally called “porai ilupu” which distinguish the Thirubuvanam Silk Saree. Thirubuvanam silk saree once again different from other by folding named as “visiri madippu” (folding of traditional hand held palm fan) like folding of Angavasthiram.

‘Korvai’ means solid or contrast borders with series of delicately woven in zari. The three bells denoting the chalangai or anklet could well be followed by the chequered pattern of the peacock’s eye, the arm jewel – vanki, bunches of grapes, creepers and mangoes. All in one saree and the touch of surprise – ‘meena’ work or coloured thread in between the zari.

Colours include the endless brightness of parrot green, the depth of coffee brown, the shimmer of golden yellow or the double coloured the blue – green mayilkazhuthu (peacock’s neck), the red‐orange of a lion, the violet‐green of a new‐born mango leaf.

Thirubuvanam Silk Products includes the following Seer Mundhi Pure Silk Saree (Regular and Long) , Attached Border (Korvai) Seer Mundhi Silk Saree, Silk extra warp Design Silk Saree, Plain Silk Saree, Tissue Silk Saree, Jangala Silk Saree, Korvai Pattu Pavadai (Skirt), Ponnadai (Silk Shawls) and Plain pieces

GI Tag Registration Date         : 11 March 2019

GI Tag Number                         : 480

Certificate Number                  : 342

Geographical Area                  : Tamil Nadu

Special Cover Release Date   : 13 October 2021

Cancellation                             : Tirupuvanam 612 103

Type                                          : GI Tag Cover

Cover Identification Number  : TN/34/2021

Cover has an embossed image of Thirubuvanam Silk Saree.

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India Post has also issued Meghdoot Post Card on Thirubuvanam Silk Saree. Details of the same is furnished below.

Meghdoot Post Card Issued in February 2022

Tamilnadu Postal Circle

188. Varanasi Wooden Lacquerware & Toys

Varanasi Wooden Lacquerware & toys is an ancient craft, where the toys are made in wood with sets of birds, animals, orchestras and dance ensembles. These toys are gaily painted and typically Indian but not folk in design. 

Varanasi being a pilgrimage centre, the toys mostly represent deities from Hindu mythology. They are carved from a single piece of wood. The toys can be found in all sizes and are made without any joints. They are attractive and harmless playthings for children.

Varanasi Wooden Lacquerware & toys cluster is mainly concentrated in Varanasi district and scattered generally all parts of Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, Chandauli district.

Unique to Varanasi are tiny wooden gods and goddesses, contemporary models of fish, ducks, cows, horses and other animals, tortoises that move their necks and tails, dolls of all shapes and sized are carved and painted in amazing detail.

Image Credit : varanasi.nic.in

Religious toys are generally two dimensional, hand carved, and painted gaudily. Whereas, the modern toys & Decorative items are generally 3 dimensional, made by turning and have modern patterns and themes. 

The cultural theme based toys shows the classes of society, the daily lifestyle and activity of the people in rural India and also some profession which were popular in ancient India. Some examples are- women drawing water from the well, men wrestling in ‘Akhada’ or the wrestling ground. 

The most common wood used for toy-making are- 

• 'Safeda' or Eucalyptus is used for lathe machine applications 

• ‘Kirbil' is used for hand carving. 

• ‘Bhurkul’ or 'Gulhar' wood or Benjamina is used for light-weight toys. 

• 'Shisham' or Dalbergia has yellowish white wood. 

• 'Gulhar' has thick fibres, hence is used for not so intricate carvings. 

• 'Kaima' has thin fibres, hence is used for fine carving. 

• 'Bhokul' wood was used in the past, but its not available anymore.

Wooden logs are sourced from nearby areas such as the jungles of Chitrakoot and Sonbhadra. Pieces of wood are cut out from the logs according to the size of the toy that is to be made. Each piece is heated slowly to remove all the moisture from the wood. 

The wood is either hand-carved or shaped using lathe. Lathe is preferred for toys that are axially symmetric. In hand-carving, first the design of the toy is drawn on the wood. Then, the wood is sculpted with chisel and hammer according to the design. 

Toys are given several coats of paint, and finished with a clear or coloured lacquer. Bright and gaudy led less colours are used to paint the body. First, the toy is dipped in the base colour. When it dries, it is neatly painted with led less white colour. Two such coats are applied followed by the last coat of lacquer to bring shine to the surface of the toys.

Lacquering may also be done on a lathe. For slender and delicate items, hand-lathe is preferred. A lac stick is pressed against the toy which is fixed to the lathe. While the toy keeps revolving, the heat generated by friction softens the lac, making it stick to the toy.

GI Tag Registration Date         : 30 March 2015

GI Tag Number                         : 457

Certificate Number                  : 234

Geographical Area                  : Uttar Pradesh

Special Cover Release Date   : 13 October 2021

Cancellation                             : Varanasi 221 001

Type                                          : GI Tag Cover

Cover Identification Number  : UP/98/2021

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India Post has also issued a Picture Post Card on Varanasi Wooden Lacquerware and Toys, though the cancellation is at Bengaluru Museum Road PO where the Post Cards are issued, it is shown for information purpose.

Picture Post Card Issued on 
Varanasi Wooden Lacquerware & Toys
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Back Side Scan with cancellation from Museum Road PO